Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Ah! There you are, come in come in,” MR-SN’s voice was muffled through the door to his quarters, and VR-LA nearly jumped at the sound.

His hand was poised to knock on the well kept wood, but he hadn’t even had the chance. Powercore flaring in his chest, gears whirring with nerves, he instead took hold of the handle. It was cold and smooth beneath his fingers. Grounding. The wizard desperately needed it, and took a few moments to steady himself before pushing open the door.

MR-SN had called for him, his voice having whispered the command as he worked in his own room. Despite having spent a few months on the ship, nothing had accustomed him to the silken silvery echo of his captain’s telepathy. He’d provided no explanation of what this meeting was, and no amount of recentering exercises had been able to calm him. Rather than be late he’d shoved the emotions down. Impressing his captain could come later, if impressing such an impressive man was even possible, right now he just needed to not make a fool of himself.

The door swung open easily, the creaking hinges making MR-SN look up from where he set behind an imposing desk. Despite it’s size, it was empty of the expected paperwork or captainly materials. Across it was instead a scattering of drawings, a set of charcoal pencils, and some navigation equipment that he was sure belonged to AS-TR. The rest of the room was similar in style. Comfortably furnished, not appointed with trophies or maps, but rather art. Many sketches, ranging from whimsical to astoundingly beautiful, adorned the walls where thick drapes did not cover them. The back wall was mostly windows. Beyond the Astral Sea stretched to the radiant horizon, glimmering and rippling in the ship’s wake.

Against it MR-SN stood out stark and silver, the auroral light reflected ever so faintly across him. Enough to make him hypnotic. The art on the walls slipped VR-LA’s mind as he was beckoned closer.

“Well, that was quick! Welcome to my… hm, room I guess, calling it an office would be very disingenuous if I am to be honest. Now, no need to loiter in the doorway, but do close it behind you,” he said with a wink, a lilt in his voice that gave the wizard the impression that something else was being suggested.

He didn’t bother trying to decipher what, he never could.

The door shut behind him with a click that echoed terribly final. VR-LA had no reason for his dread, no more than he ever did. It just existed, festering in the spaces between his gears. Stiffly, he turned, staring at the floor as he made it to the centre of the room. He stopped there, and waited. He assumed he was to be given orders of some kind, but who could ever tell with MR-SN. He was a man governed by no laws apparently, not even the few he set himself.

“Don’t look so morose my friend, you’re not here to be scolded,” his captain said, voice softening at the sight of VR-LA frozen and fidgeting, “On the contrary, you’re here to be complimented! And also to talk about your research but, compliments are the important bit.”

VR-LA glanced up, surprise on his face. MR-SN was leaning forward, elbows on his desk, grinning as much as he could with a metal face.

“Oh, thank you, Captain. What for, if I may ask?” He sounded stilted, the chiming of his voice rushed with nerves and what he thought might be excitement.

Indeed, warmer lighter sparks began to dance in his chest, only growing more potent as MR-SN leaned back in his chair, his movements fluid and captivating.

“A lot, you’ve done well settling into the ship, I know it was a big change for you but I’m forever grateful that you followed me.” VR-LA turned his gaze bashfully to the ground, feeling his faceplate heat even at the slightest of praise from his captain. He heard the smile in MR-SN’s voice, as well as more of his peculiar lilt, as he continued, “No need to be shy, take the praise. I know you like it.”

The wizard’s hands clenched into fists, every gear stuttering for a moment before starting to spin twice as fast. He kept his gaze trained carefully on the floor. The floor was easy to look at, and didn’t make him all weak like looking at his captain did. K-LB had teased him about his head drowning in hero worship and his heart tied up in a puppy crush. Every day the mechanic seemed to grow more and more correct, much to VR-LA’s chagrin. 

“I, uh, thanks. But you flatter me, Captain,” he said, doing his best to sound professional.

MR-SN sighed, a faint chuckle mixed with this hiss of steam, and from the quiet creak VR-LA thought he shook his head. “Oh you are impossible. Look at me, VR-LA.”

The words were firm, but by no means unkind, if anything he sounded amused. Then again, his captain never sounded like he wasn’t in some form of good mood. It made untangling the truth of his words even harder.

With great care, VR-LA did as he was told, as if the puppet strings MR-SN didn’t realise he was pulling would have given him another choice. He regretted not fighting it the moment he laid eyes on him once more. 

MR-SN was languidly reclined in his chair, body sinking into the upholstery and legs stretched before him. One steel hand curled over the armrest, the other tucked beneath his chin as he surveyed VR-LA. His gaze was as bright and burning as the stars that stretched to infinity behind him, his silver plating as alluring as his silvered tongue. The way he lounged felt like an invitation, the sharp but amused glow of his eyes an unspoken order. What the order was, VR-LA had no idea, but he felt it tugging at his limbs to move.

He remained frozen. Nerves and indecision doused any sparks of want fuelled impulsivity. He was not that foolish. Not that brave. But MR-SN did not stop staring. Eventually, as the silence stretched too long and whatever unspoken command was not acted on, his captain sighed. Not one of annoyance, merely amusement. With a loose wave he gestured at the spot of floor before him.

“Relax my friend, no need for such formalities, come here. We might as well begin.” His voice was smooth, and though it didn’t sound like a command it was said with the assuredness of someone who knew he would be listened to.

VR-LA wasn’t sure he would have been able to stop himself had he wanted, as his feet carried him forward, metal tapping against the smooth wood floors. He stopped at his captain’s feet, trying not to stare at his far to open lap and chest. In the back of his mind he wondered what it would feel like to settle himself atop him, to let MR-SN take his weight and warmth and feel his arms brace against him. He pushed it aside, and focused on the real. Metal lightly scared by battle, adorned with jagged gold swirls, a cape thrown regally over one shoulder. The pair stood in the astral light streaming through the windows, appraising each other in tense silence.

A smile quirked MR-SN’s eyes as he spoke, craning his head to look up at VR-LA still standing. “Well, not the most ideal position for my neck, but I suppose it will do. Better than you being a whole room away certainly.”

VR-LA stood still, tensing as he suppressed a wince. “Ah, sorry. Maybe I could sit down or… I’m not sure, that wouldn’t help either, then you’d just be looking down.”

As he fretted, MR-SN chuckled, rolling his shoulders and tipping his head back, silver throat exposed in a yet again inviting manner. The wizard didn't know what to do with that, didn’t know what to think of it. He could barely parse a thought at all with the attention of his captain laid fully upon him. His presence seemed to twine itself around his thoughts, gently binding his mind, entrapping his words, leaving him tongue tied and far too obedient for his own dignity.

“Likely so,” he said, eyes dragging across his body to the ground. Continuing in a low and rich tone VR-LA could not comprehend, one that made his circuits hum and mind even more malleable, MR-SN mused almost too quietly to hear, “Though, I certainly wouldn’t say no to you kneeling…”

The wizard paused at the request, head tilted and eyes clicking as he blinked. He supposed he’d be a bit closer to eye level that way? Nowhere near enough, but, if it is what his captain requested then who was he to refuse. 

Carefully, he lowered himself to the floor. It was cold to the touch, hard against his knees as he neatly folded his legs underneath him, but years of sitting in awkward nooks amongst Candlekeep’s shelves had accustomed him to such minor discomforts. He straightened his posture, trying to make himself taller. VR-LA didn’t trust himself not to reach out and touch the rim lit edges of MR-SN’s body before him, so he clasped his hands, placing them firmly in his lap.

Kneeling, almost as if he were in prayer, he raised his chin.

He went rigid as their gazes met, as his captain’s stare fell upon him. At first it was nothing more than heavy, his eyes wide and flickering faintly. But like oceanic pressure as one delved deeper, the true force of it settled over him. Pulled deeper and deeper until he was drowning in attention. Like touching the surface of the sun VR-LA began to melt. His chest tightened, something in the way he was being watched making him want to squirm. It wasn’t discomfort, or even shame, but rather a barely repressed want for more of whatever this was. MR-SN did not speak, nor did he move. The captain watched his wizard at his feet. Still and patient. VR-LA stared back wide eyed, expression almost doll-like with round eyes of his surprise. The armrest creaked as MR-SN tightened his grip.

His captain wrenched his eyes away, VR-LA swaying as he was released from it. From the corner of his eye he studied MR-SN. His eyes were blown wide, a low simmering gold, and his shoulders shook with suddenly released tension. Gears twisted in his chest. Had he made a mistake? Had that not been an order? How little he knew of ship’s and their captains was making itself evident. How much respect and what kind of etiquette to give was utterly unknown to him. Even after all these months, he still could not figure out how to act in front of MR-SN.

MR-SN closed his eyes, and let out a half sigh half laugh. “Oh… Oh no. Don’t do that darling, you don’t know what you’ll be getting yourself into.”

VR-LA squinted his eyes in confusion, and tried not to go entirely boneless at the melody of the endearment he bestowed upon him. “Apologies Captain, I had thought that was an order? I did not mean to misinterpret.”

“I know,” he said gently, sitting up so he could place a hand on VR-LA’s shoulder. His fingers curled over his pauldrons, touch light, almost like a gentle pet. “That was my bad, but even then you don’t need to blindly do as I tell you, as much as I must confess to enjoy the devotion.”

The wizard’s face heated at the word ‘devotion’, something so strong yet unfortunately accurate. The notion that MR-SN may have noticed how he enraptured VR-LA so thoroughly, how he wound up his mind and left him nothing but an eagerly nodding disciple, was mortifying. But just as the panic came it faded. MR-SN seemed to think nothing of it, at least his tone didn’t indicate as such. It was merely another of his hyperbole.

“Do you want me to stand again then, Captain?” He asked, still waiting patiently at his feet, trying not to fall into the hand against him.

MR-SN stared at him for a longer time than expected. His gaze fell to the floor as he waited for a verdict.

His voice was soft yet heavy as he spoke. “Want? Not even a little bit. Need? Unless we want something very unfair to happen to you then yes. Stand. I’ll, uh— I’ll go fetch you a chair perhaps.”

In a flurry of movement MR-SN was out of his seat, his cape whipping past VR-LA’s head, the door swinging open and closed as he left to seek spare furniture. Despite the order, this time the wizard didn’t follow. He remained, liquid yet simultaneously and unfortunately solid. At some point his legs started to ache, and only then did he drag himself from the floor, steadying himself on MR-SN’s desk as he did.

What had happened, what that heavy and heated look had meant, was only a mystery in that VR-LA simply couldn’t believe it. Perhaps if he could think further than his flustered mind would allow he could logic himself to a conclusion. But for now he braced his hands on the scratched wood, and tried to retake control from the fire in his chest

☆☆☆

MR-SN’s soul was on a one way trip to the Nine Hells. That or Azzagrat. The realm of the Prince of Pleasure certainly seemed a fitting place for him to rot in at that moment. He almost wanted to laugh at himself, for the hilarity of the situation he’d managed to put himself in. Flirting was a habit, if he were to be honest. He liked the drama, the emotions it made flurry and spark in other's minds, the stories love could inspire. Of course, due to his quest a long form romance was currently off the cards for him, but that never stopped him from the occasional whirlwind romance. So flirting with VR-LA, easy to fluster as he was, had been a natural extension of the habit.

But now? Now it did need to stop him. Because he could not do that to one of his crew. Especially not VR-LA. The wizard was sweet, and awkward, and woefully out of his depth in anything that wasn’t his books or the art of spellcraft. He certainly was the last person to do such a thing too. The last person MR-SN would ever want to risk hurting with his foolish idle flirtations.

It didn’t matter how lovely he looked sitting on his knees before him, it didn’t matter how sweet he sounded when flustered, it didn’t matter if MR-SN’s day always got that little bit brighter on the rare occasion he was graced with his chronicler’s presence. But now the image of him mere moments before would not leave his head. VR-LA adorned with the reflections of countless constellations, each tracing delicate paths across his body like the most brilliant of jewels, sitting neatly at his feet, waiting with a ready and starstruck expression for MR-SN’s words. For a command, for praise, for any other number of things he knew the wizard wasn’t thinking but he could no longer shake from his mind.

He tried anyway, bemoaning that he could not employ telepathy on himself and pluck the thoughts right out of his head. Finding a chair… that’s what he was doing, not daydreaming. Certainly not wondering how VR-LA would have reacted if he'd told him to stay, if he’d praised his obedience, if he dared to press even further with his flirtations. Would he take the bait? Or would he grow uncomfortable?

MR-SN didn’t know and he didn’t intend to find out. His crew needed a good captain. A kind one. One who did not leverage his power or seek to play with the heart, however kindly intended, of their newest member. Not to mention K-LB might kill him for such a thing. As is, he expected strong words should the story somehow spread.

Eventually, when he’d managed to stumble in and out of the common room, avoiding E-DN’s curious glare, he made his way onto the deck with a chair in arm. A nice, safe chair. One that VR-LA could sit on and they’d continue their meeting and discuss his performance thus far. He paused before the door, electricity flaring and gears whirring. He pretended it was embarrassment, that it felt warm due to shame and made him want due to his inherently wanting nature. He pretended it had nothing to do with feelings about VR-LA himself. Pretended that he didn’t feel like bubbling molten metal inside and out.

He could like his wizard, love him even, just not like that.

Chapter Text

Maxim’s demiplane was dark except for the faintly glowing entryway and a singular dancing light floating above his desk. It cast pale gold rays over the various papers strewn across it, glinting off bronze pen nibs and wet ink. The tick of Mechanus could not be heard here, but he still felt it within his chest. The hour had grown late, far later than he’d usually stay up, but there was work to be done. He had academics visiting from the Transcendent Academy in two days time. There was research to ready for presentation, and after that he had to take inventory of what the ship needed for their next outing. Maxim sighed, pressing his fingers into his temples. Usually he enjoyed his work, but not this. This was mundane and repetitive, and unfortunately, rather important.

Resting his eyes and bemoaning the grinding gears of boredom, he didn’t notice when a figure stepped through the entryway. Not until he heard metallic footsteps approaching him. He relaxed, looking up to see VR-LA stepping into the dull arcane light. His robes shimmered, like a sky full of distant stars, while his silver glinted bright in the gloom. Maxim nearly smiled at the sight.

“Magister, to what do I owe the pleasure at a time as late as this? Shouldn’t you be resting?” He asked, keeping his voice level even as the sight of VR-LA settling beside him, leaning against his desk, fought to strain it.

VR-LA scoffed, sending him an equal parts amused and judgmental look. “I think I could ask the same of you, Captain.” Maxim rolled his eyes at the rarely used title, even if the playful tone it was said in made his circuits buzz. “Actually, my presence has something to do with that.”

“Oh? Here to scold me are you?”

“Not scold, persuade.” In an abrupt motion VR-LA plonked himself onto the desk, sitting directly before Maxim. “You need to rest. Forget about whatever you’ve got going on here, you’ll get it done faster and easier when you're not so tired.”

It took Maxim a few beats of less than respectful staring at the inches of silver thigh that had slipped from beneath his robes, to register the words. Eventually he pulled his gaze up to meet gold eyes, and found himself being watched. One of VR-LA’s brows was raised, and the sorcerer had enough sense to flush. He seemed the tiniest bit pleased though, so Maxim didn’t bother feeling too guilty. But as he was confronted with VR-LA perched on his desk, a far more imminent problem than being blocked from his work occurred to him.

He had no idea where to put his hands.

Perhaps he could keep them firmly to himself, lean casually on the arm rests of his chair or lace them before his chest to stop them wandering. But that felt too much like a retreat. Too formal, too distant. Then again, there wasn’t much of VR-LA available for him to touch that didn’t seem like it would get him into some kind of trouble. Well… perhaps he could afford a little bit of trouble. Later he would blame his tiredness for the thought, but in the moment he didn’t question it.

“I’m quite alright VR-LA, I merely need to update the ship’s logs and then I shall be finished.” As casually as he could manage, he slid his hands over the wizard's legs, shifting them aside, letting them linger just above his knees. “I suppose I will just have company for my work.”

VR-LA faltered, just a moment where his muscles locked and his eyes flickered bright. He glanced away, snapping himself out of it and gently kicking Maxim’s shin, a dull metallic ring echoing through the room. The glow from the dancing light flickered off him as he moved. Flashes of silver and shadow, each edge and curve lined in radiance. Maxim couldn’t help but lean forward, his own metal warm and dark in the wizard’s shadow. 

Settling more firmly on the desk, effectively cordoning off all of the required papers, VR-LA raised his chin. “Then I shall endeavour to be the most inconvenient company I can, until you go and rest.”

Maxim huffed, the shake of his head dispersing the steam that came with it. “That hardly matters, I shall take your company however I may have it. I see no issue in spending the night with you, nuisance or not.”

VR-LA glanced away, his plating notably warming and petulance fading at the compliment. His protest sounded more stern when he mustered the words, though the warmth of his tone was indication enough that he enjoyed the flattery.

“I’m sure you’ll break eventually,” he said, staring off to the side, eyes fluttering as Maxim let his hands glide up his thighs.

Though he faintly trembled, VR-LA relaxed under the touch, closing his eyes for a long moment as he increased the pressure. The sorcerer hummed in approval, a warm buzz washing through him at the sight. How pleasant it was to have his wizard ensconced in the safety of his demiplane and distracting him from mind numbing work. It was… strangely domestic, even their teasing was light and practised in a manner he’d seldom had with anyone else.

His expression softened, sharp yet faintly amused edges rounding into a smile. “Perhaps, but you will break first.”

VR-LA raised his brows, another kick coming with less force, a mere playful bump. “Oh? And while I’m busy trying to antagonise you, what weapon have you chosen?”

Maxim hummed, hoping the wandering of his hands further up VR-LA’s thighs appeared smooth and idle. “Why would I deprive myself of the element of surprise? Though I will be fair, and keep our playing field at least mostly equal, by telling you that I simply aim to disarm.” His fingertips found the groove of a scar, and he traced his way around, coming dangerously close to sliding up his inner thigh.

VR-LA maintained remarkable composure. Visually, that is. The sound of his fans beginning to whir was encouragement enough for Maxim, and helped settle the nerves rattling in his chest.

“Very well, keep your secrets, but good luck being productive.”

Maxim’s thoughts had strayed from productivity the moment the wizard sat himself on the desk, and he nearly chuckled at the thought of it now. Humming in amusement, he sat back, quietly content to continue in his gentle touches. VR-LA seemed none the wiser, drumming his fingers on the wood as he considered his course of action.

“Hmm, oh! You will just love this story,” he said, voice thick with sarcasm. “So, just before I came to visit we were doing a small job for Hira in Arcadia. Horrible place, truely. But, Dani and I started this little bet on who could incur the highest value of fines and leave before we had to pay up…”

Maxim cringed as he continued talking. Perhaps VR-LA did stand a chance if he was going to insist on discussing himself and his questionable captain meddling with the legal system. Still, the chime and ring of his voice filled the hollows of the demiplane. The sorcerer’s occasional interjections half heartedly admonishing him for his law breaking were laughed away, and if hearing the sound was the only reason he bothered to say them at all, then no one but himself had to be privy to it. 

Carefully, trying to draw out the moment and ease VR-LA into giving way beneath his touches, he continued. His hands slipped under the heavy fabric of VR-LA’s robes, and Maxim watched carefully for a reaction. For the most part the wizard continued to chatter, but he was sure his mechanics hitched with an audible click, and his eyes grew heavy and flickering as the sorcerer let his palms flatten against the metal. Cool to the touch, and humming as he dragged his fingers over the seams in the plates. 

VR-LA, leaning on the heels of his hands, slowly reclined as he relaxed. Maxim would have been lying if he said the thought of pressing his back flat against the desk didn’t cross his mind. He’d certainly be more interesting than the tedious research papers currently strewn across it. Something he’d quite enjoy tending to.

With small delicate motions he rubbed circles into the metal, trying to dispel such thoughts. It was a partial success. While the original imaginings were dampened he found himself fascinated by how the plates beneath his hands shifted, small tenses of surprise before becoming pliably relaxed. VR-LA gave a soft contented hum, eyes fluttering shut as he apparently found it soothing. He redoubled his efforts at the sight. Touches crept high, firmer, hands sliding to the low of his hips. VR-LA’s rambles were interrupted by the occasional surprised gasp or stutter. Quite proud of himself, Maxim couldn’t help the faintly smug expression that settled across its face.

Eventually VR-LA seemed to break, words dying with a strangled mechanical noise as Maxim managed to work up the courage to tug him closer, hands settled comfortably on his hips. Eyes flickering like embers, he fought to regain himself. His arms shook, nearly giving way and sending him sprawling back against the desk, but the wizard managed to reach forward and tangle his fingers in Maxim’s robe for support.

“This is cheating. You can’t— By Mystra, you can’t be doing this—” He trailed off with another shuddering whine as Maxim stood from his chair, stepping close enough to feel the heat and static radiating from VR-LA’s plating.

Emboldened by his reactions, yet still fighting the flighty stuttering in his chest urging him to stagger back and pretend this had no bearing on him whatsoever, he lent in. Had he possessed the nerve he could have pressed his forehead to the wizard’s, maybe tugged his legs to settle tight around his hips, but he merely grazed VR-LA’s cheek and temple with his faceplate. He leant into the touch, a sigh of steam curling over the sorcerer’s shoulder. Continuing to wring ill smothered gasps from him with the careful circular motions he made over his hip, Maxim took the time to build his courage.

“I believe it was you who instigated this little game. I never took you for a sore loser, Magister,” he mused, speaking quietly and low in a manner he’d yet to figure out if VR-LA found attractive or merely soothing. 

The wizard’s face fell into his shoulder, his fractured curses muffled and unintelligible. The fingers tangled in his robe tightened, something beyond mere physical form and more like many little threads being pulled taut urging him forward. He swayed into it, the Weave of his being simmering under VR-LA’s hands. It was a peculiar sensation, like a rainstorm of embers over his metal, a tugging in his chest making his body falter, an overchannel of energy that made his soul want to vibrate out of his plating. He tightened his grip, the wizard tensing at the pressure.

“I’m not a sore loser I’m just—” He bit back a noise as Maxim was drawn close enough to press their bodies flush, leaning into him over the desk, the wood creaking under their combined weight, “You are meant to be, resting, not— Not this. This isn’t resting.”

“Would you like me to stop then?” The question, genuine as it was, came out with the confidence of already knowing the answer. In gentle strokes Maxim teased the rims of his plates, thumbs slipping beneath to brush flickering circuits. 

The wizard’s mechanics hitched in response. VR-LA’s eyes clinked as they fluttered, trembling fingers digging into the edge of the sorcerer’s chest plate. Quietly, and a little brokenly, he whispered into Maxim’s shoulder. 

“… No.”

The sorcerer hummed, rough with grating gears, nerves and an insistent tugging upon his Weave making his systems stutter. “Very well, in that case—”

The door opened with enough force to rattle the nearby bookshelves, light from the foyer below spilling into the dim room. Both of them flinched, VR-LA scrabbling against his chest as he nearly fell back. The pair snapped their heads toward the sound, locking eyes with the intruder.

K-LB hovered in the entry, porcelain face pleasant and smirking as always. “Hey Captain, sorry for the late hour, I need a favo—” 

He froze as he looked up. Glancing between the two, eyes dipping to notice the placement of their hands and the compromising position, he went tense. Maxim could see the moment he realised in the pained scrapping of his wire body. The mechanic screwed his eyes shut, covering his face with an arcane hand.

“By the fucking wheel guys. I… Okay, this one’s on me, but what the hell,” he said, an awkward crackle to his voice.

Maxim let out a shaky sigh, ignoring the heat flaring beneath his faceplate. “This is why you knock, K-LB.”

“Well to be fair, usually when I barge in you’re not,” he made a vague gesture at their situation, looking anywhere else in the room, “Doing that… ”

Grumbling, a stab of annoyance in his chest and the energy of VR-LA’s magic fading from the Weave, the sorcerer removed his hands from beneath VR-LA’s robes, smoothing the fabric with an apologetic hum. “Yes, which is why I’d prefer it if you hadn’t interrupted. But no harm done.”

“Except to my psyche,” K-LB mumbled, shaking his head.

VR-LA cleared his speakers, only stumbling a little bit as he slid off the desk. “Well, anyway! Why don’t you leave and I leave and Maxim can go get some rest, hm? Yes that sounds great, how about that.” His words were rushed and jumbled, voice amusingly squeaky.

K-LB sent a judgmental stare at the both of them. “Sure. Let’s do that.”

With a polite nod, eyes fixed to the floor and fans audibly whirring, VR-LA turned and fled, robes swirling around him in nebulaeic billows. Maxim stared after him, only snapping out of it when K-LB clapped his hands. The mechanic took a half step back to leave, but turned to look back at his captain before he left. 

“My brother? Really?” His tone was a cross between pained and resigned.

“Who I do and don’t… pursue, is none of your business. Though I promise I only mean the best for him, if that’s any reassurance,” he replied stiffly, folding his hands together and doing his best to maintain composure despite his thoughts swirling like smouldering and mildly disappointed smog.

K-LB shook his head despairing, and turned to follow after VR-LA. “One day I’ll get a captain who doesn’t hit on my brother. Surely…”

Before Maxim could question the sentence the door thunked closed, plunging the space back into gloom. The dancing light above his desk flickered feebly, as he stared blankly at the door. Eventually he shook himself out of his state, gears still whirring and shunting in his chest, hands unsteady as he began shuffling his disarrayed papers into neat stacks. Some of the ink was smudged from VR-LA’s hands, and he tucked those pages into a small pile he knew he wouldn’t discard as he should. He scrubbed at his face, the metal scrapes ringing in the sudden quiet.

Perhaps he should do as said and rest. Maybe in the morning his head would be clearer, and the phantom heat of VR-LA’s hands on his chest will have faded… Perhaps as he stasised he could replay the new memory, as bad an idea as it was. Though he had a suspicion it would appear in his resting mind whether he sought it out or not, considering how the wizard constantly glimmered in the periphery of his thoughts.

He sighed, face in one hand, the other steadying himself on the irritatingly VR-LAless desk. It was going to be a difficult night.